Neighbours fall out

A 27-year-old man was before the court charged with causing criminal damage to the value of €5000 and also assault causing harm to Peter Sands. Inspector Donal Sweeney told the court that on June 8th 201 gardaí received a call that a man was after being assaulted in St Farnan’s Drive, Dromore West. When they arrived at the scene, Peter Sands told them he had been assaulted by the defendant, Ronald Scanlon, who was living next door to him. Mr Sands said he heard a lot of glass being broken and then loud banging on his front door.

When he answered the defendant was shouting at him and punched him causing him to bang his head, He dragged him out of the house and kicked him.

He said he then heard the defendant going into his house and wrecking the place.

The court was told there was damage valued at €5,000 caused to property of Sligo County Council. Mr Sands said after the incident he was left feeling very afraid of people.

The defendant told Judge Kevin Kilrane there was no way the damage in question amounted to €5,000.

He added that he wasn’t taking medication at the time but has been doing so for a year and a half.

Judge Kilrane asked why he beat his neighbour and the defendant replied: “He tormented me. What he said was pure lies.” Defending solicitor Ms Laura Spellman said Scanlon has since moved away. “I’m in a lot better place, when I’m off my medication I do be hearing voices.”

He told the court: “I only hit him once on the side of his head with my fist. I regret it.”

The judge said the victim should be in court, adding that Scanlon was making two cases, one saying he was off medication and not well and on the other hand denying completely the assault as outlined. He told Scanlon it was important he stays out of trouble and warned him that he may go to prison.

He adjourned the case until February 1st 2018 to have a Probation Report in court and also told Scanlon to have a family member present also.